Funding for postgraduate researchers

There are a wide range of funding sources available to help support you while you're undertaking a postgraduate degree at Leeds.

Postgraduate Master's Loan

If you are a UK or EU national and plan to start a full-time, part-time or distance learning taught or research Masters course you may be able to apply for a government-backed loan. The loan is a contribution towards the costs of study; it will not necessarily cover all tuition and living costs.

Further information and eligibility criteria can be found in the funding section of the University of Leeds website.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you are starting a doctoral degree on or after 1 August 2018, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan of up to £25,000 to help with course fees and living costs. The loan is a contribution towards the costs of study; it will not necessarily cover all tuition and living costs.

Trusts, charities and foundations

The types of award vary widely, some amount to a few hundred pounds a year and may only cover research expenses such as travel and fieldwork.

Prospects provides information about funding postgraduate study in the UK. It offers guidance on finding funding from public funding bodies as well as charities, trusts and foundations.

Reference books such as the Grants Register and the Directory of Grant-Making Trusts are available from the Leeds University Library.

Conference awards

Through generous support from the Footsteps Fund and Santander Universities conference award funding is available for undergraduate and postgraduate students to contribute towards the costs of attending an academic conference that will enhance your knowledge and develop your skills. Further information is available through Leeds for Life

Cumberland Lodge Scholarship Scheme 2017-2019

Every year, Cumberland Lodge offers first and second year doctoral researchers studying at universities in the United Kingdom the chance to develop skills in communication, public engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration through a scholarship scheme. Cumberland Lodge is an educational foundation that exists to promote the exchange of ideas and critical thinking on issues of social cohesion.

British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG)

The British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG) aims to promote women's opportunities in education and public life. National BFWG scholarships are awarded to women research students in their final year of formal study towards a PhD degree.

Sports scholarships programme

Sport and Physical Activity offers two sports scholarship programmes to support elite athletes as they combine academic and sporting excellence during their time at the University.